In 1974, Chris Pierzynski (Clive Owen) is furloughed from prison and moves in with his brother Frank (Billy Crudup), a New York Police detective. Chris reconnects with his ex-wife Monica (Marion Cotillard) and tries to go straight, but faces setbacks and ultimately falls back into crime. As Chris builds a small criminal empire, his brother Frank is forced to cover for him, leading to a confrontation that sets the stage for their complicated relationship.